Santiago Island: 4-Hour Calabaceira Valley Hike & Guided Tour to Cidade Velha
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy a 2-hour trek in the Green Valley of Calabaceira with a local guide. Admire the lush vegetation, and explore the history of the first city built by Europeans in sub-Saharan Africa, Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Available options
Private Hike
Private<br/>Pickup included
Shared Group Hike
Pickup included
What's included
Liability insurance
Tour Guide
Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Praia or Cidade Velha
Transportation
Detailed itinerary
1
After being collected from your accommodation in Praia depart toward the verdant volcanic valley of Calabaceira.
2
Start the hike through the greenery, follow a simple and accessible trail for any hiker and discover the famous giant baobab tree mentioned by Charles Darwin during his passage through the island. Get in touch with local farmers on their agricultural fields of sugar cane, mango, cassava, banana, and more.
3
The Convent of São Francisco was built in the middle of the 17th century, having served as a place of worship and formation.
4
It was the first hurbanized street built by the Portuguese in sub-Saharan Africa
5
Here is the oldest colonial church in the world, built in 1495, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, in Manueline (Portuguese Gothic) style.
6
Was built in 1512, with white marble, and was used as a slave market
7
Visit the ruins of the Sé Catedral, that was the first Catedral built, in África, by Portuguese
8
Was built in 1587 to defend the city of pirates attacques
From the top, enjoy a beautiful view over the whole old town and find out about the system of defense used against pirates.
Please, note that the €5 per person for Fortress entrance is not included.
9
The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Praia.
What's not included
Lunch
Entrance fee (€5 for São Filipe Fortress)
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
EN
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
4 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
0
2★
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1★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
15 reviews
5★
15
4★
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3★
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2★
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1★
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Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We strongly advise wearing hiking pants, especially from August to November. Additionally bring decent footwear, hat, sunscreen and water.
Activity for travelers over 6 years old.
Route File: Walking Distance: +/- 5 km // Total Walking Duration: +/- 2 hours // Degree of difficulty: Easy // Elevation gain: +/- 3 m // Elevation loss: -/+ 186 m // Max Elevation: +/- 200 m // Min Elevation: +/- 14 m // Trail type: One Way // Path quality: Medium tilt, narrow at the beginning and safe.
About Praia
Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, is a vibrant coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and warm hospitality. It's a unique blend of African and Portuguese influences, offering a mix of modern amenities and traditional charm.
Top Attractions
Praia City Hall (Câmara Municipal da Praia)
A historic building with colonial architecture, serving as the city's administrative center.
Historical
30 minutes
Free
Plaza Alexandre Albuquerque
A central square with historic buildings, a statue of Alexandre Albuquerque, and a lively atmosphere.
Historical
30 minutes
Free
Praia Beach (Praia de Gamboa)
A popular beach with golden sand and clear waters, ideal for relaxation and water sports.
Beach
Half day
Free
Museu da Tabanka
A museum dedicated to the Tabanka tradition, a unique cultural expression of Cape Verde.
Museum
1 hour
Budget
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cachupa
A traditional stew made with corn, beans, and various meats or fish.
Main Course
Vegetarian versions available
Pastel de Milho
Corn-based pastry filled with various ingredients like meat, fish, or cheese.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Canja
A comforting soup made with chicken, rice, and vegetables.
Soup
Can be made vegetarian
Grogue
A traditional Cape Verdean rum made from sugarcane.
Drink
Alcoholic
Popular Activities
Hiking in Serra Malagueta
Water sports at Praia Beach
Sunbathing at Praia Beach
Picnicking in Parque da Várzea
Visiting Museu da Tabanka
Exploring Cidade Velha
Swimming
Snorkeling
Best Time to Visit
November to July
This is the dry season with sunny weather and minimal rainfall, ideal for beach activities and sightseeing.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Portuguese
- Widely spoken: Cape Verdean Creole
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)
Time Zone
GMT-1
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Praia is generally safe, but petty crime can occur. Exercise usual precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxis
Getting there
By air
- Nelson Mandela International Airport • 3 km from city center
By bus
Praia Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and widely used, but can be crowded. Routes cover most of the city and nearby areas.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Boltax
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Plateau
Achada Santo António
Várzea
Day trips
Cidade Velha
15 km • Half day
A UNESCO World Heritage site with historic buildings, churches, and a rich colonial history.
Tarrafal
30 km • Full day
A beautiful beach town with stunning beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
Serra Malagueta
10 km • Half day
A scenic mountain area with hiking trails and panoramic views of Praia.
Festivals
Carnaval de Praia • February or March (dates vary)
Festival de Música da Praia • July
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic phrases in Portuguese or Cape Verdean Creole
- Try local dishes like Cachupa and Pastel de Milho
- Visit local markets for authentic shopping experiences
- Explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems
- Respect local customs and traditions for a more immersive experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
